IOWA CITY, Ia. –Mark Weisman seemed to play a speed faster against Michigan than he had in recent weeks. It wasn’t by accident.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz thought Weisman looked worn out, so he held him out of practice for much of last week.

“ We put him over in the bullpen for awhile,” Ferentz said.

Weisman gave the impression that sitting out of practice was something he didn’t prefer.

Weisman had 17 carries for 88 yards and a touchdown in the 24-21 victory over the Wolverines. (David Scrivner / Iowa City Press-Citizen)

“It was his decision, and you listen to what the coaches say,” Weisman said. “There was definitely a benefit to it.”

Weisman had 17 carries for 88 yards and a touchdown in the 24-21 victory over the Wolverines. It the most yards he’s gained in a game since rushing for 147 yards in 24 carries in the Big Ten opener at Minnesota Sept. 28.

Ferentz also gave running back Damon Bullock some time off last week. Weisman said he ran and rode a stationary bike to keep up his conditioning, but didn’t take part in the physical grind of practice.

“It is what it is,” said Weisman, Iowa’s leading rusher this season with 865 yards in 184 carries. “I’d rather be out there practicing with my teammates.”

Weisman admitted the rest did help him in last Saturday’s game.

“I felt fresher out there,” Weisman said. “There was more pop in the step.”

Ferentz got the same impression.

“He certainly looked better,” Ferentz said.

INJURY UPDATE: Senior defensive end Dominic Alvis returned to practice Monday. Alvis was knocked out of the Michigan game after several plays. It had been his first action since the first half against Ohio State Oct. 19.

Alvis originally had a back ailment. But he left the Michigan game after getting kicked in the abdominal area, Ferentz said.

“It took the wind out of him, literally,” Ferentz said.

Ferentz there there’s a chance that Alvis will be able to play Friday at Nebraska. He also said backup fullback Macon Plewa, who missed the Michigan game with an unspecificed injury, is “probably a game-time decision.”